Buddle makes first appearance since knee surgery

CARSON, Calif. -- Edson Buddle made his long awaited return to action on Wednesday as the LA Galaxy forward went 19 minutes in LA's 4-0 CONCACAF Champions League victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders.

The return is a longtime coming for Buddle, who last played on May 26th in the Galaxy's 2-1 defeat to the Houston Dynamo. After a collision with Houston's Cory Ashe during the match, Buddle was forced to undergo surgery on his right knee to repair damage done to his meniscus on June 5th. Limited to light training until last week, Buddle was pleased with his run out against the Islanders.

BUDDLE: "It felt good, I was a little cautious, but I think through my equipment team and the medical staff, I was ready to go out there and push as hard as I can. But at the same time, I was aware that it is my first game and I think my teammates around me made it easier because they were available and the young guys have been doing a good job so far."

(On hoping to retake his spot in the lineup...)

BUDDLE: It’s something that I’ve done before in my career. I think that I’ve played a long time now and it helps my game and makes me a better player. It kind of helped my injury because Bruce was in a good mood everyday and didn’t put any pressure on me to get back because the team is doing well right now and it allowed me to heal properly.

(On what he can do to help the Galaxy in the stretch run...)

BUDDLE: "Score goals. Do what I’ve done in the past and score goals."

(On the fan reception...)

BUDDLE: "It was great, it was good to hear, it makes me feel like they haven’t forgotten about me and at least it makes me feel that all the hard work that I’ve done in the past makes it able for them to cheer me on."